Lakers reportedly interested in adding three-time All-Star via trade

The Los Angeles Lakers will likely look to upgrade their roster during the summer. A first-round exit in the playoffs has undoubtedly added pressure to the front office. The Lakers have a plethora of tradeable assets, including multiple future first-round draft picks. 

Trae Young could potentially emerge as a trade target for the Purple and Gold. Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer has reported that Young could find himself on the trade block during the summer.

"Once Sunday’s NBA Draft lottery netted Atlanta the No. 1 overall pick," Fischer writes. "...Now with the No. 1 pick in hand, there remains a healthy expectation the Hawks will consider dealing Trae Young as well...Where Young will fall among the pecking order of available talent this offseason has been a predominant question league personnel are discussing throughout this combine week. The Lakers, for example, are one team that holds interest in Young after Los Angeles held trade discussions with Atlanta about Dejounte Murray back in February, sources said."

The Atlanta Hawks have two high-level guards in Young and Dejounte Murray. They are widely expected to move on from one of those two ball-handlers during the summer. Trading Young would bring a healthy return for the Hawks to continue reconstructing their roster into a team capable of playing head coach Quin Snyder's brand of basketball.

Despite his defensive drawbacks, Young is an elite guard. In the 54 games he played this season, he averaged 25.7 points, 2.8 rebounds and 10.8 assists while shooting 43% from the field and 37.3% from three-point range. However, the Lakers may view his defensive issues as a stumbling block. LeBron James will demand excellence from his teammates, which means on both sides of the floor.

There's no doubt Young will have interested teams checking in on his availability during the summer. That's what happens when an All-Star is rumored to be available. However, there's a difference between teams gauging interest and tabling an offer. With three more years left of his $215 million deal, interested parties will want to do their due diligence. 

Rob Pelinka is always looking for new star talent to bring to the Lakers. Young fits the bill. However, given Los Angeles' recent struggles, he may opt to pursue a star that can play both sides of the ball. Unfortunately for Young, that will always be a stumbling block for him.